Posts tagged ‘Joshua’

OBSERVE THE PATTERN: Eagles hover over their nest, overshadowing their young protecting them from predators. At a given moment in time, the Great Eagle spreads its wings, lifting them one by one into the air, teaching them how to fly, knowing the time will come when they must fly solo.

Observe the Pattern of the great Bald Eagle in flight

WRITTEN BY SHIRLEY RHODES

OBSERVE THE PATTERN

LADY WISDOM GOD’S OPERATIONAL MANUAL (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)instruction manual, which is his Word, for living a life of purpose. His great love and purposes for us are worked out in the messes, storms and sins, dark skies-blue skies, and in our daily works and dreams. He is a constant presence, working with us as we “are”- not as we “should” be. His love is like a gentle rain sprinkling on new grass on the dawn of spring.OBSERVE THE PATTERN: We must get to know God as we build and value a relationship with him by realizing that He is not an “idea” to discuss or a “force” that can be manipulated; he cannot be studied, observed and managed.

God is a force to be worshipped or defiled, believed or rejected, love or hated, in time and place. He gives us free will to make choices, how we chose and what we do with those choices are our own decision making, so we must ask ourselves “whom or what” will we choose? As Joshuaso stated, “You have a choice, the gods your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15, KJV).

OBSERVE THE PATTERN: Jesus was sent as a gift of love in order that we may be able to adapt to a life

Jesus a visionary Leader-In-The-Wilderness-Ivan-Kramskoy

filled with grace, compassion and humility for one another. He selected and chose followers that appealed to him in order to help in accomplishing his mission here on earth; that mission would eventually touch lives in every level of humanity. His chosen followers were students, observers, faithful, watchful almost always at the feet of Jesus seeking understanding of all things related to the pattern; these very teachings would eventually become the solid foundation in which we ourselves would desire to share in.

As The Great Eagle hovers over her brood, Jesus tenderly shared his message of love with those chosen followers, equipping them to fly solo at the time appointed. His relationship and commitment was so sacred that he chose to share one of his final acts of kindness and compassion by the holy ritual of denying self, taking on the role of servant by foot washing and final sacrament sharing in moments of conversation and reminders of the importance of loving others, adhering to the pattern. The most amazing thing about those final moments together was that he didn’t focus on what was about to take place, that was his destiny.

OBSERVE THE PATTERN: Jesus left us with reassurance when he said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that bears not fruit he removes, and every branch that bears

FRUITS OF THE HARVEST

fruit, he prunes it, that it might bring forth more fruit. Remain in me and I in you, the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, I am the vine, you are the branches. This is my commandment, love one another as I have loved you” (John15: 1-5, 12, KJV).

OBSERVE THE PATTERN: Now we encourage you to be encouraged in all that you do as you walk out your purpose in this life. Study to show yourselves approved and know that your operational manual is the word of truth. Get to know it, learn to love it, and be obedient to it’s teachings. God is watching over you and He promised that He will never leave you are forsake you. May His grace and mercy keep you in all that you do.

Why is our National Government shut down today? For me and millions of other believers from around the world, the answer is very simple; our National Leaders “LACK THE COURAGE OF THEIR CONVICTION TO BE BOLD AND STRONG LEADERS.”

OUR NATIONAL PARKS CLOSED FOR BUSINESS (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

REAL LEADERS need REAL COURAGE to make the BOLD AND TOUGH decisions they will faced every day. They need to stand on the WORD of GOD, and stop being like the motion of the ocean, always going back and forth. They need to learn how to trust and stand on the word of God. Know in their hearts that God’s word will never fail them. Learn to believe without any doubt that they can be assured of GOOD SUCCESS when they fill their hearts and minds with God’s Word and obey it.

Now listen to how God gave his word to his servant JOSHUA. He said to Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your GOD will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV) These are the words that every leader or want to be leader should study and meditate on day and night.

Let me share with you the true leadership and success of Joshua, God’s Servant as he chose to obey God, trust God, lean and depend on God and God created in him one of the world’s great military leaders of all times. You too can become a JOSHUA.

Joshua faced crisis in his leadership role, just like many of the crisis we face in our leadership roles today. Not only did he have to contend with the military powers rooted in the Promised Land, but he also had to face them with an untrained band of nomadic shepherds.

OUR GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE CLOSED FOR BUSINESS (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

God realized Joshua’s need for courage and gave him guidance that would strengthen his faith.

First, he reminded Joshua of his faithfulness to keep all of his promises. God had pledged to give the land to his people and he would fulfill that pledge. Joshua’s success did not rest on a military strategy or well trained army, but on the faithfulness of God.

Second, God commanded Joshua to meditate on his words that Moses recorded in the five books of the Pentateuch. The “Book of the Law” would give the wisdom and encouragement Joshua would need to courageously lead the nation.

Third, God promised to be personally present with Joshua. No matter how intimidating the enemy or how rebellious the people, Joshua would not have to face them alone. God would always be at his side.

The same sources of courage that empowered Joshua are available today for any leader who will accept them. When faced with a risky business decision, the godly leader will look to God in prayer and to God’s revealed Word for the perspective and courage needed to make the right choice. What situation are you now facing that requires courageous leadership and risk taking? Let God’s words to Joshua supply you with the courage you need.

Now as we conclude this lesson for today, it is our hope that it will ignite the spark needed for our leadership in Washington, D.C., to be strong and courageous, make the right decision, and reopen the people’s GOVERNMENT, take the word of God on leadership serious and do what’s right and pleasing in God sight. We as the CHILDREN OF GOD and America need strong and courageous leaders to lead this Nation and the World in a time of great crisis. We need Leaders who are willing to put Country first and come boldly before the throne of grace and speak truth to power, be a real leader by developing the strength of courage and the conviction of your character and lead this country and the world in the right direction.

We minister to you today from a position of peace, purpose, power and prosperity. I remain your brother in CHRIST, PASTOR DAVIS/MASTER TEACHER!

THE WORLD STAGE SHIFTS BEFORE OUR EYES; all around us today we are experiencing change at home and abroad; everywhere we look there seems to be discord, anger, hatred and frustration, so much so that no one seems to know the answer. In order to get a clear understanding of all that is occurring right now we must turn to God for answers because he is the “key,” one so many of us have moved to second place in our lives. The time and season is now, to refocus and set our priorities in the proper order.

Jesus reminds us that he is the “Light of the world” (John 8:12) and he is the “Bread of life” (John 6:8). In order that we may be able to endure the many evils of this world we must place him at the center of our lives every moment, because we are witnessing a time in which; THE WORLD STAGE SHIFTS BEFORE OUR EYES.

In light of the recent bombings and shootings we must not lose hope. Now is the time to reach out to families who’ve suffered loss of love ones, experienced emotional and physical changes as a result of evil that lurks about seeking whom they can destroy.

No one knows as, THE WORLD STAGE SHIFTS BEFORE OUR EYES:

It’s true that no one knows what’s going to happen, or when, who’s around us to say? No one can control the wind or lock it in a box. No one has any say so regarding the day of death; no one can stop a battle in its tracks; no one who does evil can be saved by evil. As long as men and women have power to hurt each other, this is the way it is. If you keep your eyes open day and night without blinking you’ll never figure out the meaning of what God is doing on earth. The good, the wise, and all they do are in God’s hands–but day to day, whether love or hate they’re dealing with, they don’t know. Everyone is lumped together in one fate; Life leads to death, that’s it (Ecclesiastes 8:7-17; 9:1-6 Mgs).

Reassurance as THE WORLD STAGE SHIFTS BEFORE OUR EYES:

God has not forgotten us, his eyes are on every man, woman and child. His angel surrounds us while we pray, his ears picks up every moan and groan. We may not see him, but rest assured that there is no night dark enough, no shadow deep enough to hide those who do evil. God’s eye is on those who respect him, and abide in his grace. When trials of this life tend to interrupt and destroy, he is the one who keeps it all together.

Remember my friends God knows more about our weary hearts than we do ourselves. If you are experiencing a broken heart, a broken spirit, if you are crying out for help, he is listening ready to lift you up above your present circumstance. Allow him to come in and fellowship with you. In him you’ll find peace that surpasses all the madness and chaos the world offers. Remember that as THE WORLD STAGE SHIFTS BEFORE OUR EYES, we must remain focused on the prize. Distress brings us closer to God; we find that we become more concerned, sensitive, passionate and responsible to the needs of others.

Finally, be reminded, as God told Joshua, “I will be with you, I will not fail nor forsake you; be strong, be courageous for I am with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:5-9). As THE WORLD STAGE SHIFTS BEFORE OUR EYES, we must look up, lift up and keep moving, living in expectancy of a greater tomorrow.

Come and partake of something greater than self, take a moment, Draw from the Well of Righteous.

REFLECTIONS (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within (Proverbs: 20:5). Even if we should find ourselves wandering away from the path we’re on, God never release us because we belong to him. It is when we tend to live life on our term that we encounter many obstacles; when we strive to gain comfort and safety apart from God, we find ourselves getting further and further away from the source, the very nature of who we truly are.

Jesus offers us the plan of salvation and invites us to come and Draw from the Well of Righteous. He says, “Come to me, all you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, you will find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). So, when we find that life throws difficult moments into our space, reflect on these words, “Come to the throne of grace where all needs are met.”

Take a moment to reflect on the biblical presentation of the lady at the well. Many analogies have been discussed as to why she was at the well at a specific time and her lifestyle. Maybe this woman never took time to learn about Jesus or had even heard of him simply because she chose to live life on her own terms. She must have been a lady with an open mind because she listened to Jesus reveal details of her life, the time and moment was right for her to draw from the Well of Righteous, she was in the right place at the right time. She could have been someone who needed to hear a kind word, those very words Jesus spoke to her, opened her understanding to the one who was always there.

Another example is Rehab, described as a “harlot” who was frequented by strangers and probably judged by society. God placed her in a position that would leave a lasting impression in history of scripture. Apparently Rehab had heard of the awesome power of God and pondered it deep in her heart. She offered refuge to God’s chosen, so she too must have been a person with an open mind. By her actions of kindness to Joshua and his companions she was able to secure peace and safety for her entire family and relatives simply because she moved in obedience, she was able to draw from the well of righteous.

Today we journey through life not knowing who or what we may encounter along the way. One thing is sure, if we approach life with an open mind and be obedient, we too will reap the benefits of being able to draw from the well of righteous, freely given to those who decide to seek.

As you begin this week’s journey traveling the road with many curves and detours, with Satan snapping at your heels as he lays obstacles in your pathway, “BE ENCOURAGED,” by the voice of Jesus, when He says’ that He will never leave you nor forsake you; understand the teaching Jesus is teaching as you walk daily with Him, “DRAW YOUR STRENGTH FROM THE WELL OF RIGHTEOUS!”

OBSERVE THE PATTERN: Eagles hover over their nest, overshadowing their young protecting them from predators. At a given moment in time, the Great Eagle spreads its wings, lifting them one by one into the air, teaching them how to fly, knowing the time will come when they must fly solo.

OBSERVE THE PATTERN: God‘s love for us is the same, nurtured by his love; he has given us an

LADY WISDOM GOD’S OPERATIONAL MANUAL (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

instruction manual, which is his Word, for living a life of purpose. His great love and purposes for us are worked out in the messes, storms and sins, dark skies-blue skies, and in our daily works and dreams. He is a constant presence, working with us as we “are”- not as we “should” be. His love is like a gentle rain sprinkling on new grass on the dawn of spring.

OBSERVE THE PATTERN: We must get to know God as we build and value a relationship with him by realizing that He is not an “idea” to discuss or a “force” that can be manipulated; he cannot be studied, observed and managed.

God is a force to be worshipped or defiled, believed or rejected, love or hated, in time and place. He gives us free will to make choices, how we chose and what we do with those choices are our own decision making, so we must ask ourselves “whom or what” will we choose? As Joshuaso stated, “You have a choice, the gods your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15, KJV).

OBSERVE THE PATTERN: Jesus was sent as a gift of love in order that we may be able to adapt to a life

Jesus a visionary Leader-In-The-Wilderness-Ivan-Kramskoy

filled with grace, compassion and humility for one another. He selected and chose followers that appealed to him in order to help in accomplishing his mission here on earth; that mission would eventually touch lives in every level of humanity. His chosen followers were students, observers, faithful, watchful almost always at the feet of Jesus seeking understanding of all things related to the pattern; these very teachings would eventually become the solid foundation in which we ourselves would desire to share in.

As The Great Eagle hovers over her brood, Jesus tenderly shared his message of love with those chosen followers, equipping them to fly solo at the time appointed. His relationship and commitment was so sacred that he chose to share one of his final acts of kindness and compassion by the holy ritual of denying self, taking on the role of servant by foot washing and final sacrament sharing in moments of conversation and reminders of the importance of loving others, adhering to the pattern. The most amazing thing about those final moments together was that he didn’t focus on what was about to take place, that was his destiny.

OBSERVE THE PATTERN: Jesus left us with reassurance when he said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that bears not fruit he removes, and every branch that bears

FRUITS OF THE HARVEST

fruit, he prunes it, that it might bring forth more fruit. Remain in me and I in you, the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, I am the vine, you are the branches. This is my commandment, love one another as I have loved you” (John15: 1-5, 12, KJV).

OBSERVE THE PATTERN: Now we encourage you to be encouraged in all that you do as you walk out your purpose in this life. Study to show yourselves approved and know that your operational manual is the word of truth. Get to know it, learn to love it, and be obedient to it’s teachings. God is watching over you and He promised that He will never leave you are forsake you. May His grace and mercy keep you in all that you do.

In this world, we grow up, stand up, rise up and face the many challenges that the storms of life present to us on a daily basics. Our limited knowledge and understanding of the storms of life tells us to be prepared, for the storms of life are going to come, whether the storms are personal or natural, they are certain to move us from our comfort zones. But let us not forget this very important fact, “IN THE GREAT STORMS OF LIFE GOD HAS PROVIDED THE VICTORY!”

THE RAGING STORM FLOW FROM THE NEUSE RIVER GOLDSBORO, N.C. (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

It is a fact storms will come in such a way that those things or ways of life that are familiar to us may be affected. Being in our comfort zones helps us to feel safe and secure; we don’t really have to get involved unless it is our desire to do so. For many people, going outside their comfort zones can seem scary, when in all actuality, outside of our comfort zone is where theenergy is, the connecting points. In view of this recent week’s storm event, many find themselves outside of their comfort zones. For many it is a time of emotional and physical interruption. Many may feel anger, anxiety, fear and despair. It is such times as these it seems that storms of life, personal or natural moves us from our comfort zones, what was routine and familiar have become disrupted, always remember “this too shall pass.” Yesterday the storm came and all was dark, dismal and chaos, today the skies are once again blue and you begin the journey of rebuilding.

A Proverb 31 woman is a Woman of Prayer

God is our provider, strong hold, nurturer and anything else we are in need of; he is the light source from which we are re-energized, refueled and able to anchor (take hold of) to weather the storm in all situations and circumstances. Those of us who share in the mission ofJesus Christ (the pattern) let us be diligent in prayer and service in time of need. Simple acts of kindness, reassuring thoughts are valuable in such a time as this. Rebuilding is a process and it takes time and effort, but it has and can be done. Jesus says, “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matthew 6:34 MGS)

Therefore, we don’t regret the experiences or pain we are experiencing in the moment. It is those who allow distress to drive them away from God who end up full of regrets. Distress brings us closer to God, we change our approach (way of thinking) to life, we become more concerned, sensitive, passionate, and responsible and reverent to God. Through these experiences totally unexpected events will unfold; outpouring of love and generosity, people allowing God to use them to help those in need. As God told Joshua, I will be with you, I will not fail nor forsake you; be strong, be courageous for I am with you where-ever you go (Joshua 1: 5-9).

So my friends when Storms of Life, Personal or Natural Moves us From Our Comfort Zones be reminded; be strong, be courageous this too shall pass. Be blessed in all you do, and remember, “IN THE GREAT STORMS OF LIFE GOD HAS PROVIDED THE VICTORY!”

In this world, we grow up, stand up, rise up and face the many challenges that the storms of life present to us on a daily basics. Our limited knowledge and understanding of the storms of life tells us to be prepared, for the storms of life are going to come, whether the storms are personal or natural, they are certain to move us from our comfort zones.

It is a fact storms will come in such a way that those things or ways of life that are familiar to us may be affected. Being in our comfort zones helps us to feel safe and secure; we don’t really have to get involved unless it is our desire to do so. For many people, going outside their comfort zones can seem scary, when in all actuality, outside of our comfort zones is where theenergy is, the connectingpoints. In view of this

DEEP BLUE SKY (PHOTO BY PASTOR DAVIS)

recent week’s storm event, many find themselves outside of their comfort zones. For many it is a time of emotional and physical interruption. Many may feel anger, anxiety, fear and despair. It is such times as these it seems that storms of life, personal or natural moves us from our comfort zones, what was routine and familiar have become disrupted, always remember “this too shall pass.” Yesterday the storm came and all was dark, dismal and chaos, today the skies are once again blue and you begin the journey of rebuilding.

God is our provider, strong hold, nurturer and anything else we are in need of; he is the light source from which we are re-energized, refueled and able to anchor (take hold of) to weather the storm in all situations and circumstances. Those of us who share in the mission ofJesus Christ (the pattern) let us be diligent in prayer and service in time of need. Simple acts of kindness, reassuring thoughts are valuable in such a time as this. Rebuilding is a process and it takes time and effort, but it has and can be done. Jesus says, “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matthew 6:34 MGS)

Therefore, we don’t regret the experiences or pain we are experiencing in the moment. It is those who allow distress to drive them away from God who end up full of regrets. Distress brings us closer to God, we change our approach (way of thinking) to life, we become more concerned, sensitive, passionate, and responsible and reverent to God. Through these experiences totally unexpected events will unfold; outpouring of love and generosity, people allowing God to use them to help those in need. As God told Joshua, I will be with you, I will not fail nor forsake you; be strong, be courageous for I am with you where-ever you go (Joshua 1: 5-9). So my friends when Storms of Life, Personal or Natural Moves us From Our Comfort Zones be reminded; be strong, be courageous this too shall pass. Be blessed in all you do.